Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

For a right on left sacral torsion, the lumbar curve is typically convex to which side?

1. Left

2. Right

3. Center

4. None

The correct answer is: Left

In the case of a right on left sacral torsion, the lumbar curve typically becomes convex to the left side. This pattern occurs because, during a right on left sacral torsion, the sacrum rotates to the right while the left sacroiliac joint is restricted, resulting in a compensatory curve in the lumbar spine. When the sacrum is in this torsional position, the lumbar spine adapts by developing a compensatory curve that occurs in the opposite direction of the sacral rotation. This means that if the sacrum is rotated to the right (in this case, a right on left torsion), the lumbar spine will curve to the left to maintain balance and stability in the spine. This compensation helps the body adjust to any functional or postural alterations that arise due to the torsion. Understanding this relationship between the sacral position and lumbar curvature is crucial in osteopathic manipulative treatment and diagnosing conditions related to sacral and lumbar dysfunction.